In Everything Give Thanks
Posted: November 25th, 2009, 7:06 am
HEALING SHELTER MINISTRIES #133, 25NOV09
In Everything Give Thanks
by rev dave c
What is the shortest verse in the Bible? John 11:35, right? Jesus wept. Did you know that in the Greek New Testament the shortest verse is First Thessalonians 5:16? Rejoice always. Combined, these two verses constitute quite a powerful sermon: Jesus wept...Rejoice always. Within the brevity of those statements is encapsulated the Christian message in its entirety. From before the beginnings of time and space Jesus, the Second Person of the Triune God, looked down upon us (upon you and me, right here, right now) and his heart was broken by our pitiful circumstances of sin and death. He came down to be among us, to teach us the way of the Kingdom, to cleanse us by His Word, to reconcile us to the Father through His blood, and to open the way to the Kingdom by the sacrifice of His body (Co 1:19-23). In His compassion and mercy, Christ’s first words from the cross were, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lu 23:34; NIV). Oh, my, this is indeed reason to rejoice always!
We are now entering the season of the year referred to as “The Holidays”—originally meaning, “The Holy Days”. On the one hand, I look forward to the next six weeks with anticipation. On the other hand I am concerned that Western Culture is striving to begin The Holidays with Halloween, as opposed to a traditional harvest time appreciation for God’s blessings. Over the past decade there has been a concerted effort to sanitize the Judeo/Christian God of the Pilgrims from out of the heritage of Thanksgiving (and Christmas...excuse me, “Winter Celebration”...and Easter...whoops, I mean “Spring Break”). Increasingly we are seeing an emphasis placed upon the part that Native Americans and their worship of a great spirit (that we now call “a higher power”) played in the historic drama that begat this autumnal National day-off from work and school. The message seems to be: “If you must attribute any good things that you are experiencing to other than your own pluck and luck, then have the decency to thank Mother Earth, Charles Darwin or some other god that we find less offensive.” I fear we are rapidly approaching a day when God may choose a people who are less offensive upon whom to bestow His blessings.
The Pilgrims came to the coast of North America in pursuit of freedom to worship the Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit was leading them. That first Thanksgiving was a day of sacred Christian devotion to the GOD OF OUR FATHERS. If we are to prevent our contemporary celebration from becoming nothing more than a bookmark in the calendar of fourth quarter sales projections, then we must see past the turkeys, the cardboard paste-ups, afternoon naps and sports on TV. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1Th 5:16-18; NAS). As a Christian I must remember that I give thanks to God because I was dead and Jesus Christ made me alive. Eternally. Everything else is just gravy, so to speak.
We live in a culture that is rich beyond the wildest imaginings of the wealthiest kings of even 100 years ago. Should we give thanks to God for that? Yes, of course. But is it that material munificence that brings us salvation? Righteousness? Peace? Joy? "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21; NIV). Material prosperity, relationships, position, health, notoriety—all these things may disappear in a moment. Just ask someone who has experienced a devastating car wreck...or natural disaster...or a debilitating illness. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (He 12:8; NASV). Romans 11:29 assures us that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Ro 11:29; NASV).
The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:11-13, I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (NIV). Lord Jesus, please help us to learn to be content in all circumstances, in any and every situation. God, help us to have a confident faith in Your Word and Your presence. Help us to know in the very fiber of our being that in You, all things are possible (Mk 10:27). Please, create in me a heart, a head, and hands that are thankfully in Your service.
As you finish reading this message I ask that we join together in the Spirit and pray the following verses from First Timothy, Chapter Four: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let [our] gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [our] requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--[let us] think about such things (NIV). Amen.
In Everything Give Thanks
by rev dave c
What is the shortest verse in the Bible? John 11:35, right? Jesus wept. Did you know that in the Greek New Testament the shortest verse is First Thessalonians 5:16? Rejoice always. Combined, these two verses constitute quite a powerful sermon: Jesus wept...Rejoice always. Within the brevity of those statements is encapsulated the Christian message in its entirety. From before the beginnings of time and space Jesus, the Second Person of the Triune God, looked down upon us (upon you and me, right here, right now) and his heart was broken by our pitiful circumstances of sin and death. He came down to be among us, to teach us the way of the Kingdom, to cleanse us by His Word, to reconcile us to the Father through His blood, and to open the way to the Kingdom by the sacrifice of His body (Co 1:19-23). In His compassion and mercy, Christ’s first words from the cross were, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lu 23:34; NIV). Oh, my, this is indeed reason to rejoice always!
We are now entering the season of the year referred to as “The Holidays”—originally meaning, “The Holy Days”. On the one hand, I look forward to the next six weeks with anticipation. On the other hand I am concerned that Western Culture is striving to begin The Holidays with Halloween, as opposed to a traditional harvest time appreciation for God’s blessings. Over the past decade there has been a concerted effort to sanitize the Judeo/Christian God of the Pilgrims from out of the heritage of Thanksgiving (and Christmas...excuse me, “Winter Celebration”...and Easter...whoops, I mean “Spring Break”). Increasingly we are seeing an emphasis placed upon the part that Native Americans and their worship of a great spirit (that we now call “a higher power”) played in the historic drama that begat this autumnal National day-off from work and school. The message seems to be: “If you must attribute any good things that you are experiencing to other than your own pluck and luck, then have the decency to thank Mother Earth, Charles Darwin or some other god that we find less offensive.” I fear we are rapidly approaching a day when God may choose a people who are less offensive upon whom to bestow His blessings.
The Pilgrims came to the coast of North America in pursuit of freedom to worship the Father, through His Son, Jesus Christ, as the Holy Spirit was leading them. That first Thanksgiving was a day of sacred Christian devotion to the GOD OF OUR FATHERS. If we are to prevent our contemporary celebration from becoming nothing more than a bookmark in the calendar of fourth quarter sales projections, then we must see past the turkeys, the cardboard paste-ups, afternoon naps and sports on TV. Rejoice always; pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus (1Th 5:16-18; NAS). As a Christian I must remember that I give thanks to God because I was dead and Jesus Christ made me alive. Eternally. Everything else is just gravy, so to speak.
We live in a culture that is rich beyond the wildest imaginings of the wealthiest kings of even 100 years ago. Should we give thanks to God for that? Yes, of course. But is it that material munificence that brings us salvation? Righteousness? Peace? Joy? "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised" (Job 1:21; NIV). Material prosperity, relationships, position, health, notoriety—all these things may disappear in a moment. Just ask someone who has experienced a devastating car wreck...or natural disaster...or a debilitating illness. Hebrews 13:8 tells us that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (He 12:8; NASV). Romans 11:29 assures us that the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable (Ro 11:29; NASV).
The Apostle Paul exhorts us in Philippians 4:11-13, I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength (NIV). Lord Jesus, please help us to learn to be content in all circumstances, in any and every situation. God, help us to have a confident faith in Your Word and Your presence. Help us to know in the very fiber of our being that in You, all things are possible (Mk 10:27). Please, create in me a heart, a head, and hands that are thankfully in Your service.
As you finish reading this message I ask that we join together in the Spirit and pray the following verses from First Timothy, Chapter Four: Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let [our] gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present [our] requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard [our] hearts and [our] minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers [and sisters], whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--[let us] think about such things (NIV). Amen.